Back to School Tips and Advice

With the start of the school year, many students may be uneasy about the changes each new school year presents.

It is important to develop good homework and study habits early on in the school year. Some helpful tips include:

▪ Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Children need a consistent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that is quiet, without distractions, and promotes study.▪ Schedule ample time for homework.▪ Establish a household rule that the TV and other electronic distractions stay off during homework time.▪ Supervise computer and Internet use.▪ Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child's homework for her.▪ Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take periodic breaks when it will not be too disruptive.▪ If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren't able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child's teacher first.▪ Some children need help organizing their homework. Checklists, timers, and parental supervision can help overcome homework problems.▪ If your child is having difficulty focusing on or completing homework, discuss this with your child's teacher, school counselor, or health care provider.

For more helpful tips and advice, see Back to School Tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Flu Vaccine is Here!

Chestnut Ridge Pediatrics has received some of our supply of 2014-2015 flu vaccine. We have received a good supply of FluMist but the delivery of injectable flu vaccine has been delayed. We hope to have sufficient supply of all flu vaccines soon. As per CDC guidelines, everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. It’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated, including those with asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. The flu vaccine is safe and effective. Patients over six months of age can receive injectable flu vaccine (a shot), and most patients over two years of age can receive FluMist (nasal spray). Please call the office at (201) 391-2020 to schedule your child's flu vaccine.

Staff Profile: Debby, Medical Assistant and Animal Lover, over 20 years at CRPA!

At Chestnut Ridge Pediatrics, we are fortunate to have a talented and dedicated staff that have spent many years with the practice.

Many of our patients will recognize Debby's smiling face, which has greeted families for over 20 years. Debby initially started at the practice as a medical assistant and now spends time both in direct patient care and at the front desk.

In addition to her many years at Chestnut Ridge Pediatrics, Debby has volunteered for over 10 years with multiple animal shelters/rescues, sometimes hands-on with the animals, and often helping at events and fundraisers.

Debby and her high school sweetheart/husband Keith, who supports her passion for animal rescue, have 2 dogs. Autumn is a beagle/American bulldog mix and Penny and is a hound mix. They also have 2 cats named Winky and Cole, and one outdoor cat that adopted them named Bree. All of their pets are rescued...from 4 different shelters!

Debby works primarily with Helpers 4 Shelters in Middletown, NY, but tries to help out numerous rescues. If you are interested in volunteering or donating, she suggests they can reach out to their local rescue.

There are thousands of innocent and highly adoptable animals dying every day in shelters. Pet adoption saves so many lives! Consider checking out www.petfinder.com to find your new best friend!

Kudos to Debby for her years of dedication to the welfare of our animal friends!

Tissue Paper Fall Leaf Craft

With our busy lifestyles and this era of technology, it is important to remember to spend some one-on-one time with your children. Turn everything "off" and have some fun together. This easy fall craft is a great way to do that while promoting fine motor skills. Your child is sure to be proud when they see their creation hanging in the window!

This fall leaf craft turns tissue paper into a beautiful suncatcher! Using contact paper instead of glue makes this an easy craft for young toddlers too.

1. Print out a leaf template. Cut the leaf out, then cut the middle of the leaf out and discard it. You will be left with a thin outline of a leaf. Trace this leaf 'outline' template onto black construction paper and cut out. You are basically cutting out a frame for your craft.2. Cut a square of contact paper that is slightly bigger than the leaf. Peel the backing paper off of the contact paper and stick your leaf outline onto it.3. Cut tissue paper into 1 inch squares. Make sure to use a few different colors.4. Stick the tissue paper onto the leaf making sure to overlap the pieces.5. When the inside of the leaf is covered with tissue paper, trim off the excess contact paper and tissue paper.6. Hang up on a sunny window.

Chestnut Ridge Pediatrics has a Facebook page! We encourage you to "like" us on Facebook. Keep an eye out for important office announcements (including office closings due to inclement weather) and interesting pediatric-related links.